8 Best Things to Do in Sitka, Alaska (UDPATED)

Welcome to Sitka, a town of about 8,000 people that can be one of the harder ones in the Southeast to visit. However, after having visited via cruise I can guarantee that if you're able to add a stop you'll definitely want to. From stunning sea kayaking and visiting the famous Totem Poles at the Sitka National Historical Park, to trying local foods like King Crab and trying the bear and raptor centers - there's truly something for everyone.

​My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska.

Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars!

I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates.
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To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi.

For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area.

Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance.

Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.

Getting to Sitka and Where to Stay

There are two main ways to get to Sitka. You can either fly in, or you can take a private yacht or giant public cruise. The quickest and typically the cheapest way to get to Sitka will be via flight, usually a jumper plane that stops multiple times in the Southeast between Juneau and Seattle. If this is the case, then you'll need a place to stay, I recommend :

• Sitka Lighthouse - You read that right, you can actually stay IN the lighthouse in Sitka, and after being remodeled in 2018, you'll have stunning views of Sitka and any marine wildlife that swims by!
• ​The Caboose - a secluded float house in the middle of the Alaskan outdoors, this Airbnb requires a 7 mile boat ride to get there - I'll be honest, this is a bit of a more rustic stay, but I promise it'll give you a unique story to tell! 
• Longliner Lodge and Suites - located right downtown nearby many of the restaurants in town, this is one of the most up-to-date properties you can stay at in Sitka

My Favorite Tours in Sitka :
​- Bears, Raptors, and Totems
- Sitka Whale Watching
- Guided Hiking in Sitka

7 Best Things to Do in Sitka

1. Sea Kayaking
Sitka is located on Baranof Island, meaning there are plenty of chances nearby for some epic sea kayaking. Even though we didn't see much wildlife, the tour itself was incredible - and we saw a truly insane amount of starfish and jelly fish below us! My husband and I went through Alaska Travel Adventures and the views were stunning, one of the most peaceful places I've ever experienced.​

2. Hiking
Much like the rest of Alaska, Sitka has some incredible vistas that you won't want to miss during your visit. From easy hikes in town like the Baranof Castle State Historical Site for some views of downtown, or the Mount Verstovia Trail for a more challenging 5 mile hike for views of the entire island - there's really something for everyone. If you're not sure about hiking alone with the possibility of bear encounters, I recommend this guided hiking tour.

3. Totem Poles at Sitka National Historical Park
Just a short walk from downtown, the Sitka National Historical Park has a collection of at least 18 totem poles. You can choose to either explore the park on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about Sitka's history as well as the totem poles themselves and what they represent about Native Alaskan culture.

4. Try the Local Food
Sitka, along with the rest of the Southeast of Alaska, is known for one thing - King Crab - ok maybe one of many things. Lucky for you, the best King Crab I've ever had is from a small food stand in Sitka. Located in "Fisherman's Alley" you'll see a small yellow tent serving entire legs of pre cut and buttered king crab - however it can be tricky to find because locations can switch and move around. A few other restaurants I recommend stopping at to try the local seafood is The Beak Restaurant, Ludvig's Bistro, and Halibut Point Crab & Chowder.

5. The Sound Science Center
Not only can guests take a tour of the Salmon Hatchery onsite, but they even have a small aquarium and "touch tanks" that feature various critters found in tide pools that makes the center a perfect stop for families with young children! They also have a gift shop and local bistro inside where you can stop for a yummy chowder. Admission for adults is $7.75.

6. Fortress of the Bear
If seeing a bear during your trip to Alaska is on your bucket list then the Fortress of the Bear is a great way to do this in a safe and controlled environment. By focusing on rescuing and caring for orphaned bears, they are typically open in the summer and for $15 per adult you can observe brown bears up close without the risk of seeing them in the wild. This is also a great way for young children to be able to see bears in Alaska as well!

Check out this 3-in-1 tour to the Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor Center, and the Totem Poles!

7. Raptor Center
If you've stopped at the Sound Science Center to see the salmon, and the Fortress of the Bear to see the bears, then the next stop of course needs to be to see the Raptors (aka eagles). At the Sitka Raptor Center, which combined with the location in Ketchikan helps over 200 injured birds each year - you can get up close and personal to owls, hawks, falcons, and even eagles. Open for visitors in the summer months, guests can visit the center for $16 per adult.

​8. Enjoy Sitka on the Big Screen
If your visit to Sitka is short, then chances are you won't be able to really see all that Sitka has to offer. However, chances are you will have 45 minutes to spare. Located right downtown at Centennial Hall & the Coliseum Theatre, Sitka's Hidden Wonders showcases the best of Sitka in stunning cinematic beauty, and for only $15 a person. Not only do you get to see the smallest living species in Sitka (like plankton and rotifers) all the way to the largest (like whales and Sitka brown bears) all up close, but the filmmaker Ben is often there to meet guests in person to answer any questions you have. It's a great way to see the wildlife and ecosystems of Sitka unlike you've ever seen it before.

Watch my Sitka Adventures here!

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Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in : 
-> 11 Best Waterfalls in Anchorage and Beyond
-> Best Things to Do in Ketchikan
-> 5 Day Private Alaskan Yacht Itinerary 

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